It's been rescheduled at least three times because local bands are renowned for committing, then not bothering to learn any songs. But Metal Tribute III looks like it's actually going to take place on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Launchpad. Icky & The Yuks, The Foxx, The Surf Lords, Young Edward, simple, Love Overdose, The Dirty Novels, Rage Against Martin Sheen, Foma, Scenester, Cue The Wing-ed Serpent and DJ IROC are all onboard (at press time, at least), and shame in advance on any of the above mentioned bands that ultimately back out or fail to show up. ... Musica Antigua de Albuquerque will perform three concerts of medieval and Renaissance Christmas music beginning on Saturday, Dec. 11, in Santa Fe at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m., then at Saint Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church in Albuquerque on Sunday, Dec. 12, and 19, at 4:30 p.m. Call 842-9613 for more information. ... The 2004 Outpost Winter Season is starting to wind down, but there's still time to get clarinetist Kenny Davern back to Albuquerque for two shows before it's time to hibernate. Davern and his quartet will appear at the Outpost on Sunday, Dec. 12, and Monday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 general, $15 Outpost members. Call 268-0044 for more information.

At 89 years old, Mississippi bluesman Honeyboy Edwards is still every bit the voice of the Delta he was when he was sharing the stages at juke joints across the south with Robert Johnson in the '30s. His gnarled voice and extraordinarily aggressive and unapologetic guitar work are as much innate gifts as they are the result of a career that has spanned some 60 years—and counting. Edwards, along with Robert Lockwood, Jr., is one of the last remaining lifelines to the Delta blues as the genre originated. Time has stamped its influence on the music over the years, so to have the opportunity to hear them blues as they once were is monumental indeed.

with his age- and gravity-defying hair

By Michael Henningsen

Saturday, Dec. 11; Route 66 Casino (21 and over, 7:30 p.m.): How did Wayne Newton get so famous? Christ, how does he stay so tan? The answer to the former will perhaps never be understood by mere mortals. As for the answer to the latter ... well, just ask George Hamilton the next time you bump into him at IHOP.

Sunday, Dec. 12; Popejoy Hall (all ages, 3:30 p.m.): Once again, Popejoy Hall's renowned Ovation Series presents the Mariachi Christmas Extravaganza, a program of traditional music and dance from various states in Mexico that has become synonymous with the holiday season in Albuquerque. Mariachi Los Arrieros de Valle are a 12-piece ensemble from McAllen, Texas, who have captivated audiences across the nation with their youthful vitality and superior command of traditional mariachi music and singing. Joining them this afternoon is Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte, along for their sixth appearance at this annual Ovation Series event. The El Paso-based ballet company began 25 years ago and have since risen to international acclaim.

Don't miss what has become one of the traditional highlights of the holiday season in New Mexico.

Gwen StefaniLove. Angel. Music. Baby.(Interscope)

That it was bound to happen makes it no less unfortunate. No Doubt chanteuse Gwen Stefani, after better than a decade of exercising her formidable songwriting talent and propelling No Doubt from Orange County club band to international superstars, has finally given in to celebrity, allowing her significant starpower to control the direction of her debut solo effort rather than the inspired, passion-bred consciousness that has spawned more than a handful of killer ND singles. Devoid of an ounce of soul, L.A.M.B. falls flat on its over-powdered, over-hyped face. Skip it and pray for the next ND record.

Yule Logs and Jingle Balls • Holly Rebelle • Mena Domina • burlesque

By Devin D. O'Leary

Gilded Cage Burlesk and Varieté is definitely getting on Santa's Naughty list with Yule Logs and Jingle Balls: A Very Risqué, Very Glittery, Very Burlesque Ode to the Holidays. Burlesque dancers, sideshow performers, drag acts and more join forces to celebrate this most sparkly of holidays in grand style…

Envision a happy Christmas morning: Kids waking up across the world and running with wide eyes to a collection of presents just for them. Here's the catch: Some kids can't have that. Not just the presents, but even just being home could be impossible. Pleasantly Offensive Productions is hosting the Big Holiday Bash: First Annual Toy Drive at The Jam Spot this Saturday, Dec. 17. Native Remedies, 2 Evil, Seenloc, IllNickell & Badshit, Acetone Boogie & Izzo, Big Jubes and many more local musicians will be performing to raise funds for kids who can't make it home because they're in the hospital. This all-ages show begins at 7:30pm, and entry is free with a donation of a toy.

The best time to wear an ugly sweater is this Saturday, Dec. 17, at Boese Brothers Brewery from 6pm to 1am. Show off that bad boy with a Christmas tree made from macaroni or even that ugly sweater you’ve had stuffed away somewhere that you got as a gift from that relative you only see once a year. Make sure to strut your stuff and capture the moment in the taproom and use the hashtag #veryboesechristmas on Facebook or Instagram to win some prizes. If that doesn’t sound like enough of a good time, there will also be live entertainment by Gabriel Jaureuiberry and David Hartshorne along with catering by Karue’s Mexican Food!

Pinball Tournament • arcade games • Food Drive

By Maggie Grimason

As my friends in Rudest Priest say, “I may not get the high score, but then again I might/ I just wanna play a little pinball tonight.” And this Sunday, Dec. 18, it doesn't really matter if you get the high score, everybody wins because at this Pinball Tournament—sponsored by and held at Sister—is also a food drive. All pinball machines on site will be set to free to play from 4pm onward, so get there early and warm up your fingers. There's a $10 buy-in for the tournament, and while non-perishable food donations aren't required, I'm just going to say this: Don't be an asshole. You're not going to eat that canned corn.